In April we will be exploring the Pacific Ocean with Simon Winchester and his book Pacific: Silicon Chips and Surfboards, Coral Reefs and Atom Bombs, Brutal Dictators and Fading Empires. Winchester is noted for interestingly written, non-fiction, topical explorations and he brings all those chops to this look at the past (& future) of the Pacific. The book jacket tells us that…
Winchester recounts the atomic tests on the atoll of Bikini. He takes us to the launch of “Gidget” and her surfboards that would forever change how the world’s youth views a rising wave. He also tells the story of the little transistor radio and how it sparked the digital revolution, from Japan to Silicon Valley, altering the ocean’s destiny. Winchester includes tales of alarming discoveries on the Great Barrier Reef and grand expeditions to mysterious vents on the ocean’s floor. He examines the geopolitical shifts that shaped the ocean’s vast land areas, from the rise of North Korea’s rogue state to the environmental degradation and climate shifts that now threaten this majestic body of water.Clearly an eclectic, wide ranging look at the topic. Stop by the branch for a copy to read. Read it making note of interesting questions you can bring for discussion. Join us for that discussion on April 27 at 3:00.
